Interpretations: Negative Space
As these pages are an exercise in overcoming my own tendency to overthink projects, I knew the first issue's theme should not fall victim to that propensity. Hence, I chose to mirror the first assignment I was presented with as a student at Leeds College of Art, England, in 1998: Interpret "negative space."

Featured Study: Book covers, character, and spines
As numerous books and blogs showcase classic or beautiful book covers, Issue One's featured study focuses on the much overlooked art of the book spine.

I invited Joseph Sullivan of the Book Design Review to comment on spine design, Jessica Pigza of the New York Public Library to select ten interesting spines from the library's permanent collection, and myself and British recording artist George Pringle to select our own favorites.

I also invited six style bloggers to create a look based on their favorite book, book character, or book cover. The results adorn the three bookmarks accompanying this issue.

Style: Cover Me
Style bloggers Erika Altosaar, Nico Antonelli, Tavi Gevinson, Hannah and Landon Metz, and Megan Stewart were invited to create a look based on their favorite book, book character, or book cover. Printed over three double-sided bookmarks and inserted at random, one is included with each copy of Afterzine.